PUTIN Goes All In, Kicks US Diplomats Out Over Sanctions

By World Economic Forum Copyright by World Economic Forum Photo by Remy Steinegger

Russian President Vladimir Putin finally took his revenge on Friday, responding to a months-old censure from the Obama administration and new Congressional sanctions by closing down several American facilities in Russia and ordering a reduction in the number of U.S. diplomats allowed in the country.

Following the U.S. Senate's approval on Thursday of fresh, sweeping sanctions against Russia, the country's Foreign Ministry ordered a reduction in the number of U.S. diplomats in Russia by Sept. 1 and said it was closing down a U.S. recreation retreat outside Moscow as well as warehouse facilities.

The Kremlin said the number of U.S. diplomats was being cut to 455, however, it wasn't immediately clear how many U.S. diplomats currently serve in Russia, thus it's not known how big of a reduction Putin actually ordered.

Congress' package of stiff financial sanctions, which also punished Iran and North Korea, still needs to be signed by President Trump, which is no sure bet. The legislation bars Trump from easing or waiving the penalties on Russia unless Congress agrees.